'He Cannot Be Trusted; He Can Only Be Deterred', Ursula von der Leyen on Putin and Europe’s Defense

The European Commission is calling for a significant increase in defense spending to address the growing security challenges posed by Russia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the European Parliament on March 11, emphasized the urgent need for Europe to bolster its defense production and enhance military preparedness.

“Putin has proven time and again that he is a hostile neighbor. He cannot be trusted; he can only be deterred,” von der Leyen stated. She highlighted that Russia’s military expenditure surpasses that of all European nations combined, signaling a critical gap that must be addressed.

The Commission’s plan, known as the REARM Europe initiative, aims to mobilize up to €800 billion to strengthen Europe’s defense industry. It includes measures such as national budget mobilization, financial instruments for defense investments, and incentives for joint procurement among EU member states.

Von der Leyen pointed out that Europe’s security order is under pressure, with past assumptions about integrating Russia into European security structures proving to be misguided. “After the end of the Cold War, some believed that Russia could be integrated into Europe’s economic and security architecture, while others relied on America’s full protection.

We lowered our guard, reducing defense spending from over 3.5% of GDP to less than half of that. The time of illusions is now over. Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense,” she added.

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The plan also includes the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program, which will offer up to €150 billion in loans to EU states for defense investments. Member states will be encouraged to focus on strategic capabilities such as air defense, drone technology, and cybersecurity. Additionally, funds may be reallocated to support military infrastructure and research initiatives.

Von der Leyen stressed that the immediate priority is to fill critical gaps in Ukraine’s military supplies and provide long-term security guarantees. However, she underscored that this effort is not just about Ukraine but about ensuring the security of the entire European continent. “This is the moment for peace through strength. This is the moment for a common defense. Europe has the economic power, and now, finally, the political will to act.”

As European leaders prepare to discuss the details of the initiative, von der Leyen reiterated the need for immediate action: “We need a surge in European defense. And we need it now.”

Earlier, at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen questioned Putin’s intentions for negotiations, stating that he must prove his commitment to peace and abandon ambitions to destroy Ukraine.